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Treatments, health professionals and therapies

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Jabbado Anyone else have bad luck with therapy/psychs?
  • replies: 1

Hi everyone. I'm new here. Have been going to join BB for a while now but never got around to it until today. Anyway to keep this first post short, I just wanted to ask how many of you have had not-so-good experiences with therapy such as CBT. I've b... View more

Hi everyone. I'm new here. Have been going to join BB for a while now but never got around to it until today. Anyway to keep this first post short, I just wanted to ask how many of you have had not-so-good experiences with therapy such as CBT. I've been to several psychologists over the years and have never really made much progress. The psychs usually start getting annoyed with my avoidant behavior and decide they can't help me because I'm "not trying hard enough". In fact it happened again yesterday. A clinical psych I've been seeing for twelve months under a mental healthcare plan told me she doesn't see any use in making another appointment because we haven't got anywhere and just keep going round in circles. It's frustrating because I saw an Asperger's specialist last year as there were thoughts I might be on the spectrum. She concluded although I do have some autistic "traits" it's not enough to make a diagnosis. She also believed CBT would not be much help but suggested schema therapy. But it's so hard to find someone trained in that close to here. I really feel hopeless today. There doesn't seem to be anything that can help me with this horrible illness that I've struggled with all my life. Can anyone else relate to this?

AGrace Private or Public?
  • replies: 4

Hi Everyone, My friend recently shared an article with me that she had written for a news channel regarding the difficulties she had in getting help with mental illness. The article revealed numerous times that she'd been sent away from public emerge... View more

Hi Everyone, My friend recently shared an article with me that she had written for a news channel regarding the difficulties she had in getting help with mental illness. The article revealed numerous times that she'd been sent away from public emergency departments, how she couldn't get help from support lines, her traumatic experiences in public psychiatric facilities, her inability to find appropriate public support groups, and the ill treatment she received from public nursing staff. She went on to write about the fact that these grievances had caused her to turn to alcohol and illicit drugs, and how she felt like she couldn't get anywhere with her recovery. She told of how she'd take holidays to try to feel better, that she'd resorted to takeaway food because she didn't feel like cooking, and she was smoking around 2 packets of cigarettes a day, and compulsively purchasing items through online stores. My instant thought was if she had the money to buy drugs, alcohol, holidays, takeaway, and cigarettes, why wouldn't she just invest these funds into getting private health insurance? I've claimed and used around $50,000 worth of services for my mental health just this year alone, and yet my premiums are under $2500 per year. I tell my partner everyday that I'd rather live on the streets than not have private health. I'm just wondering your views, was I right to feel dumbfounded by the fact that my friend went through all of these problems when she may have had better treatment in private care for less than the cost of the additional self destructive behaviours she engaged in as a result? I completely understand that sometimes private insurance is beyond the means of a lot of people, and I feel blessed that I've chosen to make it my priority my entire life. It just frustrates me when I see that people are wasting money on other things, when health is so important. I'm not excessively familiar with the public health system, so I wonder also is it of the same standard? Can you access similar services? AGrace

CharlieChops The cost of therapy is out of reach?
  • replies: 5

Hi, new member, first post. I suffer from chronic depression, which is the result of complex trauma, both childhood and as recent as last year ( the straw that just might break this camels back). I am a single mum to a 9 year old, I rent and work an ... View more

Hi, new member, first post. I suffer from chronic depression, which is the result of complex trauma, both childhood and as recent as last year ( the straw that just might break this camels back). I am a single mum to a 9 year old, I rent and work an average, full time job. I know that I need long term therapy, if I am ever going to be able to climb out of this pit of despair that I am in. I am functioning (only just) on a high dose antidepressant, but recently have begun a process of isolating myself from family and friends, drinking excessively and behaving recklessly. Not the first time in my life that I have found myself here. Seems all roads lead here eventually. I can't afford therapy. My GP has written up my 2nd mental health plan in the space of 12 months. But once the 6 visits are up, I'm on my own again. And I can't afford to carry on. Where do people who can't afford long term therapy go?? Thanks for any advice you can share with me.

Miss_Out Anyone have any experience with private psych hospital treatment for depression
  • replies: 3

Hi all, I was wondering if anybody has had success in the treatment of depression in a private inpatient facility. I have been depressed for most of my life, and if I am honest with myself I probably have some PTSD. I have had limited success with CB... View more

Hi all, I was wondering if anybody has had success in the treatment of depression in a private inpatient facility. I have been depressed for most of my life, and if I am honest with myself I probably have some PTSD. I have had limited success with CBT and anti depressants. I am currently taking a trycyclic and a NARI. I am unable to take SSRI and SNRI's as I become panicked and suicidal. I am a single mum and my extended family think that I am being selfish wanting inpatient treatment and think that if I just "grew up" things would be fine. Although their ignorant opinions do not bother me too much, I need their support to keep an eye on my sons aged 15 and 17. Just looking for opinions and experiences <>

MrsCam is it normal to feel drained when taking mood stabilizers??
  • replies: 4

hi all, during my recent stay at perth clinic I was diagnosed with bipolar type 2. I was taken off my ad med and put onto a mood stabilizer. that was almost 4 weeks ago and since getting home a week ago I am finding that I get tired really easily by ... View more

hi all, during my recent stay at perth clinic I was diagnosed with bipolar type 2. I was taken off my ad med and put onto a mood stabilizer. that was almost 4 weeks ago and since getting home a week ago I am finding that I get tired really easily by the middle of the day... its not a low mood exactly its just that I feel so drained that I end up wanting to cry... I know my iron levels are also low and am taking an iron supplement for that so that is probably not helping, but Ive had anaemia before and it was never like this... just wondered if anyone else has found this when starting on a mood stabilizer??

ashtay Weight Gain
  • replies: 6

Hi All, I have recently gotten married and my husband and I want to start trying for a baby in the next 18 months. I desperately want to be healthy during pregnancy and aside from suffering from depression and anxiety I have ankylosing spondylitis. A... View more

Hi All, I have recently gotten married and my husband and I want to start trying for a baby in the next 18 months. I desperately want to be healthy during pregnancy and aside from suffering from depression and anxiety I have ankylosing spondylitis. Ankylosing is a type of inflammatory arthritis that targets the joints of the spine which is exacerbated by carrying extra weight and can potentially make for a very difficult and painful pregnancy. I know it's different for everyone but I need to hear some weight loss success stories to motivate me to come off my ADs. I've been on a variety of SSRIs and SNRIs since 2011 and have since gained over 20kg. I honestly don't know what's worse, the anxiety and depression that comes with being off the meds or the weight gain and subsequent self-loathing and ankylosing pain that comes with being more mentally stable on the meds. Let's say I am feeling stable, is it worth going through the horrible withdrawal and potential relapse if I begin to lose some weight and regain some self-esteem and mobility? It's important that you know that I have dieted and exercised more than I ever have before and still continue to gain weight. So all the evidence points to the ADs as being the weight gain culprit. Has anyone else experienced this weight gain and then successfully come off their meds and lost weight? Please help. I can't hack cringing at myself any more. I can't look at my wedding photos because I look awful. Most importantly, I want to enjoy pregnancy by feeling good inside and out. Thank you, Ash

Chloekat84 Stuck between a rock and a hard place.
  • replies: 4

I dont know if this is related necessarily to depression and anxiety but my doctor put up my medication to double i was takign taking due to still havin band episodes of anxiety and depression. As it was i was sometimes getting a bit tired on the low... View more

I dont know if this is related necessarily to depression and anxiety but my doctor put up my medication to double i was takign taking due to still havin band episodes of anxiety and depression. As it was i was sometimes getting a bit tired on the lower dose. Now im on hiher i can barely keep my eyes open during the day and im soo drowsy i just wat to go back to bed but i cant as i have 2 kids to look after. It really hard as i feel like a zombie but not in a ood way. i had a coffee and that didnt help. Im tempted to have another one but if i do ill be jittery and shaking as i get bad anxiety if i have too much caffeine. I will be mentioning this to my doctor on monday is just have to get through this weekend. Wa eve nhard to concentrate enouh to write this so needin some advice or if others hae been through this b4.

iamanon Finally getting help
  • replies: 4

So I went to the doctor last week and today regarding my issues with mental health. They increased my medication and i asked for a Mental Health Care Plan. Within a month i'll be contacted by a psychologist and will recieve the support i need. I will... View more

So I went to the doctor last week and today regarding my issues with mental health. They increased my medication and i asked for a Mental Health Care Plan. Within a month i'll be contacted by a psychologist and will recieve the support i need. I will also have a Psychiatrist evaluation at some point soon to determine whether or not it's necessary to change medications and to evaluate whether im eligible for a pension. I must admit I was nervous about going to the doctor and cracking the bottle I keep my darkest problems in, And im still nervous about going to the psychologist, But hey, when aren't i nervous? Apart from the depression, general anxiety and SAD (All classed as severe), The doctor thinks it is evident i also have PTSD regarding an incident (several even) that occured in 2009-2012 (Look up my previous post if you're curious). I'm just glad I'll soon have all the support i could ask for. What isnt fun however is almost bursting into tears explaining my problems to the doctor. I've taken some big steps in the past week, and for the first time ever, I'm somewhat proud of myself.

busylady Should I get anti depressants?
  • replies: 4

I've been a person who has had major ups and downs in my life and I think I have generalised anxiety disorder (which sometimes leads to depression), and I'm starting to not want to go out or be around lots of people. Years ago I tried anti depressant... View more

I've been a person who has had major ups and downs in my life and I think I have generalised anxiety disorder (which sometimes leads to depression), and I'm starting to not want to go out or be around lots of people. Years ago I tried anti depressants and I think they worked for a while, but then I ran out and didn't get more, and my body went through withdrawal and it really freaked me out. I decided I didn't want to take a pill to get better. I threw myself into cognitive behavioural therapy (including loads of self help books) and spirituality, and have sought help including regular counselling and retreats. Over the years all of these things have provided good temporary relief as well as excellent long term relief (I have really sorted my life out and I know I'm doing ok), but you have to work them, because it is so easy to slip back. Throughout the years as I have battled my personal demons cognitively and spiritually, on and off I have had alcohol, pot and cigarettes right there with me. I know I self-medicate with these drugs and that they are bad for me. But they offer me instant relief and escape. However, I also know that at the times in my life when I have stopped taking them, that I have been happier and healthier and a better functioning person. I know anxiety and depression are affecting me at the moment. In this life I have created for myself, I have tonnes of responsibilities and obligations to kids, house, work, community, family and friends - and although I am doing my best, I can't keep up with it all and I have been feeling overwhelmed and scattered. Because I have set unhealthy boundaries for myself I have now reached a stage when I've had enough of it all. I feel grumpy, sad, lethargic, anti-social, tired and unproductive. I know I am not very pleasant to be around and feel a little agoraphobic, and guilty at the same time, because I haven't done some things I said I would and not gone to events I should have. But I'm not at a total loss right now. I can recognise this low as I've felt it before. I know I can get through it. Using my cognitive therapy techniques I have determined that there are things in my life I can do ease pressure and stress, and am working towards those changes. I can see a light at the end of the tunnel with the current cause of my unhappiness. My question is whether anti-depressants will help me now and if so, which ones work best for someone like me with anxiety and depression?

--Danny-- im stuck in a vicious cycle...i need some advice...things are complicated
  • replies: 30

Hi everyone, I'm in struggle city..need some good advice... I grew up in a house where my parents were yelling/screaming/fighting...threats of suicide, separation, no money, I was always getting blamed for stuff...I was a referee between the two of t... View more

Hi everyone, I'm in struggle city..need some good advice... I grew up in a house where my parents were yelling/screaming/fighting...threats of suicide, separation, no money, I was always getting blamed for stuff...I was a referee between the two of them fighting since age 10...I remember saying to myself as a kid that I hated my life...fighting in public places...my parents said things & did things to each other that was awful for kids to see...I always wanted to run away from home...I guess my anxiety was forged into me then... When I turned 16, I started an apprenticeship...I started becoming an alcoholic straight away...binge drinking 4-5 days a week...living at home wasn't easy...I met my wife when I was aged 17, she was 15..we now have four beautiful children...I'm now 31 yrs old...still a binge drinker, & I have done some stupid things while under the influence of alcohol...mainly getting drunk & hanging with my friends...usually acting like a fool & waking up regretting everything I did or said... At age 24, I got hooked on weed & have smoked it daily since...when I started smoking, it calmed me at first...but after a while it caused extreme panic attacks, anxiety, depression...I've been on heaps of different anti depressants...one particular brand cured my illnesses for 2-3 yrs...I went off them once I was well...got depression again & had trouble sleeping...got anti depressants to help me sleep..I recently got off them because of side effects(weight gain)..I have been put on the ones that cured me the first time....I've been on them for a week...I haven't drank a drop since I started new medication:):) I'm struggling with the initial side effects of new medication...bad anxiety/panic...these should go away within a week... Once i overcome drinking...next step is smoking...I just want to be a better husband & father...I'm hoping one day I will find my inner peace....